Aston Martin Upgrades Its Formula One Safety Car to Please Max Verstappen
Aston Martin Upgrades Its Formula One Safety Car to Please Max Verstappen
Will the upgraded Aston Martin Vantage safety car be able to keep up with the fast-paced world of Formula One racing?
The new Aston Martin Vantage road car has inspired a new-generation Formula One safety car from the British brand, aimed at satisfying three-time champion Max Verstappen.
Following the 2022 Australian Grand Prix, Verstappen expressed his dissatisfaction with the Aston Martin Vantage safety car, calling it a ‘turtle’ and claiming it was too slow compared to the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series used at certain races. Timing data supported Verstappen’s criticism, revealing that the Aston Martin was nearly five seconds slower than the Mercedes-AMG GT on some circuits.
However, the recent launch of the new Vantage sports car prompted Aston Martin to upgrade its Formula One safety car. The new safety car shares significant performance improvements with its road car counterpart. It now generates 489kW of power and 800Nm of torque from its Mercedes-AMG built twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine. This is a significant increase of 114kW and 115Nm compared to the previous Vantage model. The torque outputs now match those of the GT Black Series, but the safety car remains 48kW behind the track-focused Mercedes.
Unlike the previous version, which closely resembled the road-going Vantage, the new safety car features a larger front splitter and a deep rear wing. These aerodynamic enhancements aim to maintain higher corner speeds. Inside the safety car, Recaro Pole Position seats provide comfort for the occupants. The bespoke center console houses all the necessary buttons and switches, while multiple screens display lap times and GPS data for better race control.
This upgraded Aston Martin Vantage safety car will make its debut at the upcoming Saudi Arabian Grand Prix in Jeddah. It will rotate with the Mercedes-AMG safety car throughout the season, ensuring the safety of Formula One drivers and enhancing the on-track experience for everyone involved.
- Verstappen previously criticized the Aston Martin Vantage safety car for being slower compared to the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series.
- The new safety car now boasts more power and better aerodynamics.
- It produces 489kW of power and 800Nm of torque.
- It features a larger front splitter and a deep rear wing to improve corner speeds.
- The new Vantage will debut as Formula One’s safety car at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
Aston Martin has heeded Max Verstappen’s criticism by upgrading its Formula One safety car. With more power, improved aerodynamics, and enhanced features, the new safety car is ready to take on the challenges of the racing season. Its debut at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix marks a new chapter in ensuring the safety and excitement of Formula One races.
